Useful Information

Airlines: All major airlines fly daily to Santiago, most of them overnight. There are direct flights from Toronto, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.

Reciprocity fee: Before clearing customs, citizens from some countries entering Chile must pay the so-called reciprocity fee. This is the case for people from Mexico (US$23), Australia (US$61) and Albania (US$30). This payment lasts for 10 years. US passport holders no longer have to pay this fee.

Visa: Before travelling to Chile, contact the Chilean embassy in your home country to ask about visa requirements to enter the country. Consider that to enter Chile you need a passport that should remain valid for at least six months after your departure date in Chile. On arrival, tourists receive a tourist card (“tarjeta de turismo”) and an entry stamp that allow a stay of up to 90 days in Chile. The tourist card is valid for all touristic and unpaid activities. Do not lose your tourist card because you will have to hand it back to the authorities when you leave Chile.

Custom restrictions: In Chile it is not allowed to import fruits, vegetables, milk or meat products or plants! Any food must be declared at customs.

Taxi from the airport: The Santiago airport is located on city outskirts, with a 15-20 minute ride to downtown by a toll-highway. The airport has official taxis with fixed rates for different districts of Santiago. For safety and convenience, we recommend using these taxis to get to your destination. Official taxis are hired immediately before leaving customs. The official taxi fare from the airport to Universidad Católica’s main campus in downtown Santiago is approximately US$ 35. In Chile is not common to tip taxi drivers.

Voltage and plug model used in Chile: In Chile, we use the Southern European plug model, and general voltage is 220V/50Hz.

Chilean currency: The local currency is the Peso Chileno (CLP). The official daily exchange rate is available at www.bcentral.cl

Payment with money and credit cards: You can withdraw money from your foreign bank account at any ATM in Chile. All major shops, supermarkets and restaurants accept debit as well as credit cards. Traveler’s checks and cash (US dollars as well as Euros) can be easily exchanged at exchange offices.

Season: Remember, October is springtime in Chile. The local temperature range in October is 7°C to 22°C / 47 °F to 72°F.

Transportation: We recommend taxis or the subway (Metro) to move around Santiago.

Meeting space available: Research networks or closed groups can make a reservation of meeting space for activities during the days of the Conference.

Lunch places: There are several places for snacks and lunch in and nearby Universidad Católica’s campus in downtown Santiago. A list with recommendations will be available.